The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Practice and the Acceptance and Attitude of Indian Dental Professionals towards COVID-19 Vaccine – A Cross- Sectional Observational Survey
Ruchi Vashisht *
Conservative and Endodontic Dentistry, Department of Oral Health, Science Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Bhavita Wadhawa
Department of Oral Health Science Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Room no – 107 Prosthodontics, Chandigarh, India.
Ashima Goyal
Department of Oral Health Science, Centre Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Room no – 202 Pedodontics, Chandigarh, India.
Richa Shrivastava
Community Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Science Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Satnam Singh Jolly
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Oral Health Science Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Room no – 104, Chandigarh, India.
Prabhleen K. Brar
Conservative and Endodontic Dentistry, Department of Oral Health, Science Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the acceptance, accessibility, experiences, side effects and attitude of dental professionals after administration of the vaccine and their perspective regarding the effect of COVID-19 on dental practice and patient education.
Materials and Methods: This survey is based on the questionnaire that was conducted among Indian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluated dentist’s opinion on COVID-19 vaccination, their acceptance, knowledge, attitude and side effects experienced if any post vaccination and also their perspective regarding the effect of COVID-19 on dental practice and patient education.
Results: Overall 155 dentists contributed to this study (51% general dentists & 49% specialists). 85% of the dentists opted for COVID-19 vaccination, however 56% of them were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. Fever (21%) and pain at the injection site (20%) were the most prevalent side effects after the vaccine .As far as modifications done in daily practice, only 8% cases were being done considering them as most urgent.
Conclusion: Dental professionals are the reliable source of health information, their acceptance or rejection to COVID-19 vaccine can influence the general population’s uptake of COVID-19 Vaccine.
Keywords: Dentists, COVID-19 vaccine, acceptance, attitude